The carriage trotted through the front gates of the Downton estates and sped on through the parklands and farmland. Inside the carriage was a nervous Lady Cora Crawley. She knew this day had been coming ever since she married Lord Grantham's heir. Their courtship and wedding in America seemed literally a world away now. She could only guess at the curiosity she would evoke as Robert's "American wife".
She looked round at her husband. He was staring intently out of the window, as if inspecting the grounds for any changes in his absence. She smiled to herself. She knew he had missed Downton, and felt strangely envious that he was returning home when she had left hers for good. She thought back to their honeymoon. His manners had been impeccable and he was never less than kind and considerate. Yet he had been distant and irritable. She had hoped his mood would improve when they arrived back in England and sure enough, he seemed happier as soon as he got off the boat.
"Glad to be back?"
He turned round apologetically. "It will certainly be nice to get back to normal." He had never been happier to return home after months - too long - spent in the United States. After the wedding, it had seemed sensible to stay and honeymoon on the East Coast. In hindsight, it wasn't a good idea. He had never felt at ease in London society, let alone a country where he knew no one and where the normal rules of propriety seemed relaxed. He abhorred the over-familiarity and the ostentatious, vulgar displays of wealth. Every day in America was a day away from the simple pleasures and certainties of Downton.
Cora had done everything expected of her, even putting up with his moods with gentle good humour. Even so, their honeymoon had been awkward. They didn't really know each other, resulting in polite formality rather than romance. Even their attempts at conversation were difficult when they didn't know the same people or places.
"You should see the house round the next bend."
She looked up, surprised by what she saw - an imposing fortress set rather incongruously amid the parks and follies. So this was Downton Abbey, her new home, the home which her husband cared so deeply about, and which her inheritance would maintain. She peered at the imposing towers and flag fluttering in the breeze, trying to remember the exhaustive descriptions Robert had given when in America. (Her mind had wandered by the time he reached the architectural details.) It looked like the centrepiece of a medieval kingdom, a kingdom of which she would one day be queen.
He was watching her reaction. "It's certainly impressive," she managed somewhat breathlessly.
He had to smile. It was the first time he had seen her speechless. His eyes drifted from the familiar view to risk a sweeping glance at his wife. She was, as always, immaculately turned out. Their wedding announcement had seemingly necessitated a huge trousseau (her mother insisting on copious furs as soon as she learned Downton was in the north of England). He enjoyed the secret thrill of seeing the results each morning and evening.
The carriage stopped outside the entrance to his family home. Robert stepped down eagerly. He beamed at the assembled family and staff, then turned to help his wife.
She took a deep breath to steady herself before taking his hand. She could feel the curious eyes of the staff watching her as she descended.
"My father, Lord Grantham."
"Welcome to Downton." Lord Grantham greeted them both warmly, although she noticed the knowing smile that passed between father and son.
Robert paused before continuing. He had been dreading the next meeting. "My mother, Lady Grantham." Sure enough, his mother looked Cora up and down like a creature from another world.
"Welcome to Downton." The welcome was forced, and Cora's resolve wilted under her new mother-in-law's imperious glare."I do hope you will fit in here." Lady Grantham's tone clearly indicated her doubts. With one nod, the family was beckoned inside.
Cora had never felt more foreign, more out of place.
It was not a good beginning.
